Becky Gilday receives Markel/AAEP award
Fourth-year veterinary student Becky Gilday. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.
Becky Gilday, a fourth-year student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), was one of eight North American veterinary students to receive the 2013 Markel/American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation scholarships in early December.
The students received their $2,500 scholarships on December 8 during the AAEP’s 59th annual convention’s student luncheon in Nashville, Tenn.
The annual program recognizes fourth-year veterinary students who are proven leaders at their veterinary schools, advocates for equine welfare and academic achievers. Since the prestigious program began in 1989, 178 veterinary students have received more than $380,000 in scholarship support.
“Markel’s longstanding support of these scholarship opportunities underscores the company’s leadership and commitment to the equine industry, the veterinary profession and students,” said AAEP Foundation chairman Wayne McIlwraith. “These scholarships will help each of this year’s recipients fulfil their goals within the equine veterinary profession.”
Julian Bowen-Rees, managing director of Markel Specialty, Equine & Livestock, noted that honouring excellence among the newest colleagues in veterinary medicine is something that Markel is proud to support.
“We are delighted to honour these exceptional senior veterinary students who have taken a special interest in equine medicine and surgery. We understand and appreciate the roll of veterinarians, especially in relation to our business, and we are pleased to continue the legacy established by American Live Stock.”
Gilday is a longtime horseowner who has endeavoured to collect as much equine health experience as possible during her time at the WCVM. She is an active member of the college’s Equine Club and served at the undergraduate representative on the WCVM’s Equine Health Research Fund from 2011-2012. Once she completes her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree this spring, Gilday will begin a one-year clinical internship at the Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, Colo.
Earlier this fall, Gilday received a $1,500 educational scholarship sponsored by the Alberta Equestrian Federation and Capri Insurance.
Veterinary students are nominated for the scholarship by representatives from their colleges with supporting references from AAEP members and clinical instructors. In addition to academic excellence, nominees are evaluated by their leadership abilities and involvement with activities benefiting the health and welfare of horses. Each accredited college or school of veterinary medicine may nominate one fourth-year veterinary student who intends to enter private practice and develops its own criteria for nomination.
Additional information about this program and other scholarships offered through the AAEP Foundation is available through the scholarship section of the AAEP Foundation’s website.
Markel has more than 40 years of expertise in insuring horses and horse businesses. The AAEP Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the AAEP to improve the welfare of the horse.
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